Resumes and CPA Alberta Registrant Credentials (Article)

Written by
Eric Pye
CPA Alberta

Published
Sep 26, 2018

Sep 26, 2018 • by Eric Pye

Presenting CPA credentials in resumes, cover letters, and on LinkedIn can be confusing for members (designated CPAs), candidates (those enrolled in the Professional Education Program, or PEP), and students (those enrolled in pre-requisite courses through the CPA Western School of Business).

The description of CPA credentials and status is governed through Part 1, Section 7 (pages 16, 17) of the Alberta Chartered Professional Accountants Act, which deals with protected words and abbreviations. It is unethical to misrepresent your qualifications and credentials; particular care must be taken to do this accurately and honestly.

There are three sections of the resume (and LinkedIn) where credentials are typically described. These include after one’s name in the header, the profile (or summary) section, and the education section.

Credentials/status should be described as follows:

CPA Alberta